Prince Harry's fleeting Sydney visit

He's the soldier prince and perhaps, in the tradition started by his mother Princess Diana, he was also the people's prince. Like her, he even managed a quick costume change.

In a fleeting first official visit to Sydney, there was never going to be much time to meet and greet around the formal engagements of the International Fleet Review.

But Captain Wales, with military timing, made it happen. He made his warmth felt when he went walkabout near the Opera House. The crowd loved him and he seemed to love them. They even have the photos of themselves with HRH posing obligingly alongside to prove it.

Prince Harry. Photo: AP

Linda Wickens, one of the first to greet him as he got out of the car, handed him a stuffed dingo as a present for his nephew, Prince George.

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The prince then stopped for a quick photo with her 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, who summed up the experience in one word: ''Awesome.''

Ayesha Sweeney, 19, summed up the opinion of many after travelling from Albury to see the prince.

Prince Harry is greeted by members of the public at Campbell's Cove. Photo: Getty

''His uniform was really cool, his salute was awesome,'' Ms Sweeney said. ''He's a bit of a cutie, I think everyone has a crush on him. All of the ladies were wooing and whistling when he came out.''

A crush possibly shared by some at Kirribilli House, the Prime Minister's official residence, which Prince Harry visited later in the afternoon.

He met the PM's wife, Margie, and daughters Bridget and Frances.

Prince Harry and the Abbotts. Photo: Getty Images

''They're both very excited to see you,'' said Tony Abbott of his daughters as they stepped forward.

Guests at the function included billionaire James Packer, cricketer Brett Lee, former rugby player George Gregan and VC winner Ben Roberts-Smith.

The prince, who arrived late on Friday night, started his day with two hours on the harbour on HMAS Leeuwin with Mr Abbott, lord mayor Clover Moore and Governor-General Quentin Bryce, who conducted the fleet review and received the royal salute.

Prince Harry visits the Australian Naval Fleet Review

The best pictures from Sydney Harbour of the Australian Naval Fleet Review. Featuring warships from 17 countries as well as a visit from Prince Harry. Follow us at http://twitter.com/photosSMH. Photo: Anthony Johnson

Also on board were navy chief Vice-Admiral Ray Briggs and Defence Minister David Johnston.

The royal arrival sparked a new game - spot Prince Harry.

It was made easier because the prince was wearing the white tropical dress uniform of the British Army and a blue Army AirCorp beret. He stood out among all those dark naval uniforms.

There were about 5000 boats on the harbour and the foreshore was packed. On the water an exclusion zone was vigorously enforced by police on speedy craft with flashing lights. On HMAS Leeuwin three well-built men in suits talked into concealed microphones whenever anyone came too close.